December 13, 2013
Billions, millions and microcredit
Dear reader
In terms of finance, a number of very pleasing reports were announced this week. Western Swiss start-up Jilion made a spectacular exit with its sale to YouTube rival Dailymotion, and several rounds of financing were completed. Biotech start-up Covagen generated no less than CHF42 million, which will now drive the development of its drugs, and mySwissChocolate, Urban Farmers and Talentory.com were also able to attract investors.
Investors, however, are not the only source of funds for Swiss start-ups. This week, the first call for projects for Horizon 2020, the new EU research and innovation programme, was published; nearly €80 billion is available over the next seven years.
But young companies can be helped by much smaller amounts. The association GO! has been making microloans of up to CHF40,000 since 2009. Last week the 100th credit was ceremoniously handed over, with the money going to Dodiz, an online platform for continuing education courses.
Despite these numerous sources of money, however, it should not be forgotten that companies live ultimately on their customers’ willingness to pay. No one knows this better than serial entrepreneur Stefan Zanetti. In our interview, he talks about his experiences and his biggest mistakes, and offers tips for other entrepreneurs.
The founders of SwissLeg, which manufactures affordable prosthetic legs, also have a lot of experience and they have already achieved a great deal since they established their start-up in 2012. This week they were awarded the CTI Start-up Label.
Have a good weekend.
Stefan Kyora
Managing Editor, startupticker.ch
News
The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
